The government’s chief negotiator, Peter Cameron, said on Friday he spoke directly to BC Teachers’ Federation president Jim Iker earlier in the day and they decided to contact Ready together, get clarification on his availability and find out if he would accept the job.

Mark Brown had been involved in the discussions since February 2013 and after the BCTF called for mediation on Thursday, immediately stepped down.

The BCTF is calling for $450 million a year, including retroactive pay and for class size and composition changes along with increased medical benefits. The union is also asking for an eight per cent wage increase over five years and a $5,000 signing bonus.

The province is offering seven per cent over six years plus a smaller signing bonus.